What’s New for Kia EV6 2025?

The 2025 Kia EV6 gets a mid-cycle refresh, bringing both aesthetic tweaks and some practical improvements. Let’s delve into the details:

Fresh Look: The most noticeable change is the exterior design. The EV6 gets new headlights with a sharper V-shape, a reworked front bumper for a more aggressive look, and updated wheel designs. The taillights also receive a slight redesign to maintain a cohesive look.

Interior Revamp: Inside, the focus is on technology and user experience. The panoramic infotainment system gets a refresh, offering potentially improved visuals and responsiveness. The steering wheel gets a new design, and the wireless smartphone charging pad is redesigned for better usability. Standard features have been expanded to include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, making phone integration seamless. An optional fingerprint authentication system adds a layer of security and personalization.

Range Boost: The biggest under-the-hood update is a larger battery pack. The 2025 EV6 comes with an 84.0-kWh battery replacing the previous year’s 77.4-kWh unit. This translates to a slight increase in driving range, which we’ll discuss in the dedicated section.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

While official pricing hasn’t been announced yet, estimates suggest the 2025 EV6 will start around $44,000 and climb to $63,000 depending on the trim level and options chosen. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

• Light on your wallet? The base trim with rear-wheel drive and a single motor offers the most affordable entry point. While sacrificing some performance, it delivers a good driving range and all the essential features.
• Focus on Range? Opt for the all-wheel-drive Wind trim with dual motors. This setup provides better traction in all weather conditions while offering a good balance between power and range.
• Thrill Seeker? The top-of-the-line GT model boasts a powerful electric motor setup for exhilarating performance. Keep in mind, prioritizing speed might come at the expense of driving range.

Before making your final decision, consider taking both your budget and driving needs into account. Test driving the different trims is always recommended to get a feel for what suits you best.

EV Motor, Power, and Performance

The 2025 EV6 offers two basic electric motor configurations:

• Rear-Wheel Drive (RWD): This setup features a single electric motor on the rear axle, offering a good balance between power and efficiency. Expect around 229 horsepower and 350 Nm of torque.
• All-Wheel Drive (AWD): This option features dual motors, one on each axle, providing superior traction and handling. Power output goes up to 325 horsepower with a healthy 605 Nm of torque.

The range-topping GT model takes things a step further with a high-performance setup exceeding 576 horsepower. This translates to exhilarating acceleration but might impact driving range compared to the other trims.

0–60-MPH Times

Exact 0-60 mph times for the 2025 EV6 haven’t been officially revealed yet. However, based on estimates and the previous year’s performance:

• The base RWD model should achieve 0-60 mph in around 7.5 seconds.
• The AWD Wind trim is expected to be slightly quicker, reaching 0-60 mph in the ballpark of 5.5 seconds.
• The high-performance GT model is likely to dominate with a 0-60 mph time potentially dipping below 4 seconds.

Range and Charging

The 2025 EV6 benefits from a larger 84.0-kWh battery pack compared to the previous year’s 77.4-kWh unit. This translates to an increase in driving range, although official figures from Kia are still pending. Here’s what we can expect based on projections:

• The RWD trim with the larger battery might offer a range exceeding 300 miles.
• The AWD Wind trim could see a range hovering around 280 miles.

Keep in mind that these are estimates, and real-world driving conditions like weather and driving style can affect the actual range you achieve.

The EV6 supports fast charging, allowing you to replenish a significant amount of battery power in a short amount of time at compatible DC fast-charging stations. Kia claims a 10-to-80% recharge time of 18 minutes under ideal conditions using a 350 kW charger.

Battery Life and Degradation

While electric vehicle batteries are designed to last for many years, they do degrade over time and with use. The rate of degradation depends on various factors, including:

• Depth of discharge: Repeatedly draining the battery to very low levels can accelerate degradation.
• Charging habits: Fast charging can put more stress on the battery compared to slower Level 2 charging. However, occasional fast charging is generally not a major concern.
• Extreme temperatures: Very hot or cold temperatures can also impact battery health.

Kia offers a 10-year/100,000-mile warranty on the EV6’s battery, which covers defects that cause a loss of battery capacity below a certain threshold (specific percentage typically defined in the warranty). This warranty provides peace of mind knowing you’re protected against unexpected battery issues.

Here’s a more specific breakdown of what you can expect regarding battery life:

• General lifespan: Lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles are typically expected to last around 10-15 years or reach 100,000 to 150,000 miles under normal usage conditions.
• Maintaining battery health: To maximize battery life, it’s recommended to avoid repeatedly draining the battery to very low levels and opt for Level 2 charging whenever possible. Additionally, try to park your EV in moderate temperatures whenever feasible.

Replacement Considerations:

While the battery in the 2025 EV6 is designed to last for a substantial period, replacement might be necessary eventually. The cost of replacing an EV battery can vary depending on the make, model, and battery capacity. However, as technology advances, battery replacement costs are expected to come down in the future.

Overall:

The 2025 Kia EV6 boasts a larger battery pack compared to the previous year’s model, potentially offering greater range. By following recommended practices to maintain battery health, you can expect the EV6 to deliver reliable performance and a satisfying ownership experience for many years to come.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGe

Electric vehicles don’t use gasoline, so they don’re rated for miles per gallon (MPG). Instead, the EPA measures electric car efficiency in terms of MPGe, which stands for “miles per gallon equivalent.” This rating indicates how far an electric car could travel on the same amount of energy as one gallon of gasoline.

Official MPGe figures for the 2025 EV6 haven’t been released yet. However, based on the larger battery pack and potential range improvements, we can expect a slight increase in MPGe compared to the 2024 model.

Here’s a ballpark estimate:

• The RWD model might achieve an MPGe rating exceeding 110.
• The AWD Wind trim could see an MPGe rating hovering around 100.

It’s important to remember that these are just estimates. Your real-world MPGe will depend on factors like driving habits, weather conditions, and use of climate control systems.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The 2025 EV6 retains the spacious and comfortable interior of its predecessor. The cabin offers ample legroom and headroom for passengers in both rows, making it suitable for families or long road trips. The seats are supportive and well-cushioned, providing a comfortable driving experience.

Cargo space remains generous thanks to the dedicated electric vehicle platform that doesn’t require a bulky engine compartment. With the rear seats folded down, the EV6 offers ample space for luggage or gear.

Infotainment and Connectivity

The infotainment system receives an upgrade in the 2025 EV6. The dual-screen setup, consisting of a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and a 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment display, remains. However, sources suggest potential improvements in responsiveness and user interface design.

Standard features include wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration. The navigation system allows for easy route planning and guidance. A premium sound system with more speakers is also available as an option. The EV6 offers a Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing passengers to stay connected on the go.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

The 2025 EV6 prioritizes safety with a comprehensive suite of driver-assistance features. Here are some highlights:

• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) with Pedestrian Detection: This system can help prevent collisions with vehicles or pedestrians in your path.
• Lane Departure Warning (LDW) with Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): This system warns you if you start to drift out of your lane and can gently steer you back within the lane markings.
• Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC) with Stop and Go: This system maintains a set distance from the car in front of you, even in stop-and-go traffic.
• Blind Spot Monitoring (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA): This system warns you of vehicles approaching your blind spot or crossing behind you when reversing.

This is not an exhaustive list, and additional features might be available depending on the trim level you choose.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Kia offers a competitive warranty package for the EV6:

• Basic Warranty: 5 years / 60,000 miles
• Drivetrain Warranty: 10 years / 100,000 miles
• Roadside Assistance: 10 years / 100,000 miles

Electric vehicles generally require less maintenance compared to gasoline-powered cars. However, routine maintenance checks are still recommended to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

The 2025 Kia EV6 offers a compelling combination of features, performance, and range. With the mid-cycle refresh addressing some user concerns and enhancing the overall experience, it’s an electric SUV worth considering.